Belmont Abbey College
Belmont Abbey College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Belmont Abbey College Worth It?
At a value score of 23/100, Belmont Abbey College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,937 — 11% below average — while paying $24,639/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 47% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $26,000 representing 54% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Belmont Abbey College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Belmont Abbey College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NC
Ranked #109 of 149 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #2 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #3 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #4 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #5 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #6 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #109 | Belmont Abbey College | 23 | $24,639 | $47,937 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Belmont Abbey College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 11 in NC.
Best Programs at Belmont Abbey College
The highest-earning program at Belmont Abbey College is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $45,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Education, General at $21,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Belmont Abbey College earns $45,800, while a Education, General graduate earns $21,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $26,791 in median debt vs. $31,000 for Education, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $24,639/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,800 | $45,800 | $26,791 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $43,600 | $43,600 | $24,125 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $34,200 | $34,200 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $31,200 | $31,200 | $36,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $27,000 | $27,000 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $25,400 | $25,400 | $30,040 |
| Education, General | $21,400 | $21,400 | $31,000 |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Belmont, NC
- Student Body
- 1,276 students
- Admission Rate
- 75%
- Graduation Rate
- 47%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $24,639
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,937
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000